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5 days

Mendoza

1 ~ 6

Medium content

Description

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as you cross the Andes on horseback! Every year, for a few short months, the snow that covers the Andes retreats and a few gauchos (Argentine cowboys) call this rugged area their home. During this time, you can explore the Andes and follow in the footsteps of old Chilean and Argentine smugglers as you scale the majestic Andes on horseback. Ride up into and around the towering peaks of the Andes as you stand at the border with Chile and peer over at vast valleys from the crests of the mountain. Cross rivers and even warm yourself at a natural hot spring on this 5-day adventure. On this trek, you’ll live like the gauchos, old and new, as you sleep in tents and enjoy hearty dinners cooked over a campfire. Our Local Guide Dario will make you feel at home in the awe-inspiring wilderness of the Andes.

Itinerary

Day One: Depart from Malargüe on Horseback

Arrive in Malargüe and meet up with Dario and his fellow gauchos. From there you'll be driven about an hour to Las Loicas where you'll meet your horses and set off on the trail. After three hours of riding you'll reach Puesta Los Álamos, your campsite for the night. Enjoy delicious Argentine barbecue, locally known as asado, paired with Argentine wines and liquor for dinner as you prepare for your next day of adventure.

Day Two: Pass by the Ascent of the Deceased on your way to Black Hill

Today you'll ride on your horses for 6 hours as you pass by "ascent of the deceased" on your way to your new campsite for the night, where you'll prepare for the next day—Vilches Post. Vilches Post sits just beside Black Hill, or Cerro Negro.

Day Three: Peer Over the Chilean Border

After a hearty breakfast of eggs you'll leave camp behind and head towards the Chilean Border. After about a 3-hour ride on horseback you'll reach the border where you can peer into Chile and see where old smugglers used to sneak across the border. Once you're done, you'll head back to the camp at Vilches Post, where you'll spend the night.

Day Four: Start your descent

Today you'll start to descend from the Andes as you head past Rincón Chico and Fierro Corner. You'll set up camp about an hour-long ride away from natural hot springs. If you want you can ride out to the hot springs and take a refreshing bath before your last night of camping.

Day Five: Return to Civilization

After packing up camp one last time you'll head back to Las Loicas and civilization. You'll enjoy one last relaxing ride on horseback as you leave the beauty of the wilderness of the Andes behind.

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Available days

This tour is only offered December through February. Please contact founders@localaventura.com for specific dates

Eligibility criteria

Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or who use a wheelchair

No horseback riding experience required; we will be riding sturdy and well-trained horses, great for anyone new to horseback riding

What's not included

Recommendations

This is a rustic and authentic gaucho experience; you will be camping in tents and will not have access to bathroom facilities

In the mountains the weather can be very cold, especially at night, we highly recommend bringing good winter clothes

We recomend flying into Mendoza and then taking a bus to Malargüe, where you'll meet your guides. For assistance please contact founders@localaventura.com.

Tags

Good for Solo TravelerLearn a New SkillHighly ActiveOutdoorsy TypesGood for Couples

Gallery

Dario

I am a third-generation gaucho and horse breeder in Corrientes, Argentina. For my entire life I have lived as a gaucho (an Argentine cowboy) raising horses and livestock in my family estancia in Corrientes. Over 15 years ago I decided to share my passion for horses and the traditional gaucho lifestyle, by organizing horse riding adventures and hosting travelers in my estancia. I work with my family and friends across Argentina to authentically share our culture and way of life. As a member of the gaucho community, respect for the people and lifestyles of this community and the remote communities where we travel is extremely important to me. I love offering them a grass roots economic opportunity by helping them share their culture with you in an authentic manner.

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